Kondele residents in Kisumu have been forced to brave the morning cold as they await the arrival of the body of the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, with some seen carrying twigs.

The residents have resorted to dancing as a form of mourning, while others are wailing to express the deep love they had for the late leader. Kondele residents have been instrumental in Raila’s political journey and have long been his most loyal supporters. Every time Raila lost an election or called for mass protests, Kondele residents were always the first to respond.

Due to this strong attachment, the entire Kisumu and Nyanza region has its eyes fixed on Kondele. On Friday, October 18, 2025, residents were manning the Kisumu–Kericho–Nairobi highway, refusing to allow any vehicle without a twig to pass. Businesses in the area have been closed as locals pour into the streets to mourn.

After landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kisumu, the body will be transported by road through Kondele to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo for public viewing. This has heightened the residents’ anticipation as they prepare to pay their last respects as the motorcade passes through.

Situation at Mamboleo Stadium

Inside the Mamboleo stadium, there is a hive of activities currently going on.

Different military units are already at the stadium, ready to receive the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The viewing will allow residents of Nyanza and Raila’s long-time supporters to pay their final respects, with Kisumu chosen as the central location for the exercise.

Military officers have already prepared the area where the body will lie in state. They are conducting final touches to ensure everything is in order once the body arrives. The platform where the casket will rest has been laid with a red carpet and an orange cloth symbolic of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) colours, which Raila has led since 2005.

Various security agencies are on site to maintain order during the viewing. National Youth Service (NYS) personnel are also assisting the military to ensure the viewing proceeds smoothly.

 Military personnel began arriving as early as 5:00 am to prepare for the day, while other security officers worked through the night inside the stadium. Kenyans have already started streaming in, with lines stretching as far as Kondele.

The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left the runway on Saturday, October 18, 2025, and is already airborne, scheduled to arrive in Kisumu at 7:30 a.m. The casket is being escorted by another helicopter, which took off shortly after the main aircraft departed.